Best Waterfalls in Sri Lanka
written by Lasi
Sri Lanka has it all, from a gracefully trickling beauty that requires a few hours of hiking to reach to a bursting mass of impatient waterfalls you come across along the roadside. Sri Lanka is the location to go to see all types of waterfalls because it has the largest waterfall density in the world, with a total of 382 waterfalls spread out across the entire nation. Two half-yearly monsoons fuel rivers' rapid descent of the stony cliffs, creating breathtaking waterfalls. Only a few of these lovely waterfalls may be easily seen, while the others are hidden away in dense forests and tea plantations.
Beautiful waterfalls are one of Sri Lanka's most well-known attractions. Even the ones that are accessible are breathtaking, with powerful gushes of water dropping with all their might from heights that make you goosebumps. On top of that, they are encircled by rugged terrain and lush green trees. If you frequently picture yourself in a setting like that, it's time to make your desires come true.
Therefore, don't forget to schedule a trip to one of these stunning waterfalls in Sri Lanka that will undoubtedly cause you to fall in love with their majestic majesty whether you have a passion for natural beauty or are searching for a daring excursion!
When Is The Best Time To Visit Sri Lanka's Waterfalls?
Almost all of Sri Lanka's waterfalls are located in the hill country close to other well-known places including Horton Plains National Park, Nuwara Eliya City, Adam's Peak & the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary, and the hills around Ella.
The ideal months to travel to these areas are often between December and May. December and January are especially wonderful for watching the waterfalls at their most powerful because November is the wettest and rainiest month of the year for this area!
You will still be able to visit some of the falls if you travel in the rainy seasons (April, October, or November), but you should be prepared for a significant risk of precipitation and relatively chilly conditions. To keep oneself dry, be sure to take a waterproof jacket! Additionally, because these regions are susceptible to floods and can be hazardous for visitors, exercise additional caution when trekking or driving through them!
1.Diyaluma Waterfall
Ella (1.5 hours) and Hatton are the nearest large cities or towns (1.5 hours)
171 meters tall (561 feet)
Diyaluma Falls is Sri Lanka's second-highest waterfall and, in our opinion, its most stunning and thrilling. Since the Diyaluma Falls Bridge on Highway A4 runs right next to the base of the waterfall, it is very easy to get to the waterfall! To get out and investigate, there is a small pull-off close to the bridge.
Travelers are frequently taken to Diyaluma Falls by tour groups. The trailhead is a bit difficult to locate, and the waterfall is distance from Ella. We attempted to see this waterfall on our own and came to the conclusion that it is one that we should think about taking a tour of instead.
There are two ways to the summit if you decide to visit without a tour. At this point, you can start the hike; it won't take long to get to the waterfall.
A little farther upstream than the actual waterfall is where the trail's end joins the river. Above the falls, there are lesser waterfalls, swimming holes, and even a cliff jump location. The peak of the falls lies 500 meters downstream. The climb up to the top of Diyaluma Waterfall can be a little challenging, but it's not too difficult.
upper diyaluma
There are five or six swimming pools at the top of the waterfall. Be extra careful since many people linger at the cliff's edge and because wet rocks can be dangerously slippery.
2.Baker's Waterfalls
Don't forget to add a trip to Sri Lanka's Horton Plains National Park in your travel plans. This 9 kilometer nature route features the breath-taking World's End viewpoint.
The Bakers Falls, named for its discoverer Sir Samuel Baker, are located along this walk. It is surrounded by stunning mountains that provide a stunning backdrop, and the chilly water rushing down creates a mist curtain around it.
3.Bambarakanda waterfall
Close your eyes and listen to the soothing sounds of Bambarakanda Falls, a stunning waterfall in Sri Lanka's Badulla District that is located at Halmadulla close to Kalupahana. Interestingly, Bambarakanda Falls, which soars to a dizzying height of 263 m, is Sri Lanka's highest waterfall (863 ft). It is also the 299th tallest waterfall in the world, according to records.
It is interesting to note that this waterfall is formed at the end of the enormous Kuda Oya stream, which branches off from the Walawe river. The waterfall is reachable through a pathway through deep pine forests that leads to the pool at the bottom of the falls and is stunning from a distance. For safety concerns, only four-wheel-drive vehicles can approach the waterfall's upper section.
4.Laxapana Waterfall
Nearest large city/town: Hatton (45 minutes) or Nallathaniya (1.25 hours)
Elevation: 126 meters (413 feet)
One of the most beautiful waterfalls we've ever seen is Laxapana Falls! We place Laxapana Falls so highly on this list because of its enormous waterfall, green surroundings, lack of crowds, and accessibility to both the waterfall's mouth and base.
5.Bomburu Ella Waterfall
Nuwara Eliya (30 minutes) and Ella are the nearest large cities or towns (1.5 hours)
height is 50 meters tall (164 feet)
Bomoburu Ella is an amazing woman. The widest waterfall in Sri Lanka has many streams that branch off before falling through the rocks and into a lake below. Undoubtedly, the most stunning aspect of the waterfall is its force, which produces extremely luxuriant flora all around it.
The distance to Bomburu Ella waterfall is just approximately two kilometers, however after the initial climb, the rest of the route is very flat.
6.Ravana waterfall
Height is 25 meters
Enter the calm, clear water of Ravana Falls, which is adjacent to Ella, a small settlement in the Badula District in the province of Uva. This site, also referred to as Sri Lanka's widest waterfall, is only ten minutes' drive from Ella's main street.
It can be reached from the nearby bus terminal by public bus as well. King Ravana, a figure from Hindu mythology and the Indian Ramayana epic, inspired the naming of the waterfall.
Astonishing visitors with its stunning rock formations, thick vegetation, and flowing waters that swirl downward to a large pool at the bottom, Ravana Falls is a 25 m (82 feet) high waterfall.
7.Ramboda Waterfall
The next large city or town is Kandy, which is 45 minutes away (2 hours)
109 meters tall (357 feet)
One of the most popular waterfalls on the island, Ramboda Falls is a three-tiered waterfall in Ramboda, Sri Lanka. Anyone going between the cities of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya will stop at this waterfall because it is only off the main highway that connects them.
You can visit the waterfall's three stages. The Ramboda hotel offers views of the waterfall's bottom tier. Once you arrive at the hotel, enter and down three flights of stairs to the restaurant. The waterfall is accessible through a short hike from there.
Ramboda Falls' middle tier is the least stunning, but it's still lovely and conveniently close to the road. You can stop your cab, motorcycle, tuk-tuk, or however else you arrived at Ramboda and admire the waterfall in a modest pull-off.
8.Devon Waterfall
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Due to Hatton NuwareEliya road, Devon waterfall, one of Sri Lanka's most well-known cascades waterfalls, has a very clear perspective. Nearly everyone who takes this route to Nuwara Eliya must stop here for at least a brief rest before proceeding. is not far from Talawakele town.
Furthermore, the upper Kotmale hydropower plant has an impact on six falls, including this one. Mr. Devon, whose plantations and farms lie close to the fall.
December through March are when the fall releases its full force of water. Instead, the fall provides nature with a breathtaking backdrop all year long.
9.Kirindi Ella waterfall
This magnificent waterfall, which is located 7 kilometers from Pelmadulla, rises 116 meters above the ground, with the Kaluwaramukalana Jungle adorning and framing it.
This waterfall, like the majority of waterfalls in Sri Lanka, is shrouded in a variety of legends and mysteries. Numerous rare animals and birds are reported to reside in the area close to the waterfall.
10.Elgin waterFalls
Elgin Falls, named after the Scottish town of Elgin Major, is situated in the Elgin Tea Estate 18 kilometers from Nuwara Eliya and rises 25 meters above the surrounding tea fields.
The scenic train ride between Nanu Oya and Ambewela is the best time to view this waterfall.